Method and system for tele-conferencing with simultaneous interpretation and automatic floor control

ABSTRACT

A system and method for conducting a conference between a plurality of geographically-dispersed participants, with simultaneous interpretation in a plurality of languages, wherein the method comprises establishing an audio bridge for each of the languages, connecting through a network each participant of a plurality of participants to an appropriate one of the bridges based upon a preferred language of the respective participant, and connecting an interpreter to a first one of the bridges and a second one of the bridges, wherein the interpreter simultaneously listens to a speaking one of the participants through the first one of the bridges and speaks a translation into the second one of the bridges, and wherein the audio connections within the system are configured automatically according to the language being spoken and the abilities of the interpreters. Order is maintained by allowing a participant to make a request to speak, and by granting said requests in turn.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/510,852 filed Jul. 22, 2011, herein incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND

For decades, certain institutions (such as the United Nations) haveconducted business in multiple languages. When (physical) meetings areconvened, delegates typically speak in their native languages.Interpreters are present to translate whatever is said into thelanguages of the other delegates.

To make the meeting as dynamic, interactive, and productive as possible,the interpretation is done “simultaneously.” This means thatspecially-trained individuals listen to a delegate speak in a firstlanguage and simultaneously (with a delay of typically only severalseconds) translates and speaks in a second language, the translation ofwhat is said by the delegate.

Delegates in such a meeting are equipped with microphones andheadphones. The interpreters are typically isolated in soundproof boothsand wear headsets. The venue is specially wired and controls areprovided to delegates, interpreters, and moderators that allow forselection of audio inputs and outputs and control of audio mixingelectronics.

Increasingly, organizations (including companies but also governments,non-profits, various regulatory, rule-making and standards bodies)convene their “meetings” using conference call technology as a way toavoid the time and expense of travel. Delegates or members of theconference can participate from their home locations over a telephone orinternet connection.

There is a desire to conduct multi-lingual meetings via conference call,either replacing or extending the “in-person” meeting with a “virtual”meeting that includes participants connected from remote locations.

The traditional conference call lets all participants hear each other,as in a “party line” telephone call. However, there are no specificprovisions for conducting such a call in multiple languages.

To date, if there are conference call participants speaking differentlanguages, this is accommodated using “consecutive” interpretation. Inthis mode of operation, an interpreter is included as an additionalparticipant in the conference. When, for example, a delegate speaks inSpanish, the delegate pauses after one or two sentences, and theinterpreter repeats what is said by the delegate in translated form(e.g. English). The delegate then resumes speaking and the processiterates. When a delegate speaks in English, the interpreter waits forthe delegate to pause, and then repeats what was said in Spanish, forexample. Accordingly, all parties to the conference call are able tohear all of the Spanish and English utterances. This approach is veryslow and tedious, and makes the dialogue much less dynamic. The currentconference call translation solution becomes completely unwieldy whenmultiple languages are involved.

It is also important to note that extraneous audio inputs can be quitedisruptive. This is true in conventional conference calls, but is evenmore critical here. Simultaneous interpretation requires tremendousconcentration and interpretation can become impossible if the audioinput to the interpreter is compromised by speech (or noise) fromanother delegate.

As meetings of all kinds become more internationally inclusive, thenumber of languages involved grows, and insisting on a common languagefor all interpreters may be impractical. It may be necessary tointerpret from, for example, English to Mandarin and then Mandarin toCantonese, and simultaneously English to German to Dutch.

It would be desirable to develop a conference call capability thatallows for simultaneous interpretation in two or more languages, withoutburdening delegates or interpreters with additional language constraintsor duties or connection requirements in order to manage the flow ofaudio.

SUMMARY

The methods and systems of the present invention extend conventionaltele-conferencing functionality to address the unique requirements ofsimultaneous interpretation. The methods and systems introduce novelschemes for: instantiating and managing multiple separate “conferencerooms”; connecting the simultaneous interpreters (“SI's”); queuing andrecognizing different speakers; and automating the audio flows asnecessary. The result is a conferencing experience that is “seamless”for the participants, without imposing additional workload and stress onthe SI's.

In one embodiment, a conferencing system supporting simultaneousinterpretation in a plurality of languages, comprises: an audioconnection for each of a plurality of delegates; an audio connection foran interpreter; a plurality of bridges, wherein the audio connection foreach of the delegates is associated with at least one of the bridges andwherein the audio connection for the interpreter is associated with afirst bridge and a second bridge of the plurality of bridges; and aprocessor in communication with the plurality of bridges, the processorconfigured to: receive a request for the floor from at least one of thedelegates; and grant the floor to the at least one of the delegates inresponse to the request for the floor, wherein the interpretersimultaneously listens to the at least one of the delegates through thefirst bridge and speaks a translation into the second bridge.

Methods for simultaneous interpretations in a plurality of languages arealso described. One method comprises: establishing a bridge for each ofthe languages; connecting each participant of a plurality ofparticipants to an appropriate one of the bridges based upon a preferredlanguage of the respective participant; connecting an interpreter to afirst one of the bridges and a second one of the bridges; and conductinga conference between the plurality of participants, wherein theinterpreter simultaneously listens to a speaking one of the participantsthrough the first one of the bridges and speaks a translation into thesecond one of the bridges.

Another method comprises: establishing a bridge for each of thelanguages; connecting each participant of a plurality of participants toan appropriate one of the bridges based upon a preferred language of therespective participant; connecting an interpreter to a first one of thebridges and a second one of the bridges; receiving a speaking requestfrom at least one of the participants; and granting the speaking requestof the at least one of the participants, wherein the interpretersimultaneously listens to the at least one of the participants throughthe first one of the bridges and speaks a translation into the secondone of the bridges.

The systems and methods of the present invention provide any number ofconference bridges (or mixers) associated with a single “conferencecall.” Each bridge can be associated with a particular language anddelegates can be assigned to a specific bridge based on their languagepreference.

The SI's can be specifically identified and connected for “listening” toone bridge, and for “speaking” to another bridge. These connections canbe managed automatically.

Delegates or participants can be provided with one or more mechanisms toindicate that they wish to speak. These speaking requests or floorrequests are queued and delegates can be recognized (“granted thefloor”) in turn.

In an aspect, when a delegate is recognized, the audio flows/pathswithin the system are automatically adjusted, as required. Delegates canbe initially muted by the system, but when a delegate has the floor, theaudio input is broadcast to a particular bridge associated with thespeaking delegate. The “listening” and “speaking” connections for eachSI can be adjusted according to the direction of interpretation that isrequired, based on the language of the recognized delegate. Indicationscan be presented individually to the parties to let them know that theyhave the floor (delegate) and the “direction” of interpretation required(SI).

The systems and methods of the present invention provide a multi-lingual“virtual meeting” experience that mimics the physical meetingexperience. Delegates and SI's can be located anywhere. Delegates canlisten and speak in their preferred language. The conversation flows asit would for a physical meeting, without the slowdown and tedium ofconsecutive interpretation. Any number of languages can be supported.

Additional advantages will be set forth in part in the description whichfollows or may be learned by practice. The advantages will be realizedand attained by means of the elements and combinations particularlypointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both theforegoing general description and the following detailed description areexemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments and together with thedescription, serve to explain the principles of the methods and systems:

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a “Language-Aware” ConferencingSystem;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the system of FIG. 1 showing afirst configuration;

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the system of FIG. 1 showing asecond configuration; and

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method for simultaneous interpretation ina plurality of languages.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present methods and systems are disclosed and described, itis to be understood that the methods and systems are not limited tospecific methods, specific components, or to particular compositions. Itis also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for thepurpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended tobe limiting.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” oneparticular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When sucha range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the oneparticular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, whenvalues are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent“about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms anotherembodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each ofthe ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, andindependently of the other endpoint.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described eventor circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includesinstances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where itdoes not.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word“comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and“comprises,” means “including but not limited to,” and is not intendedto exclude, for example, other additives, components, integers or steps.“Exemplary” means “an example of” and is not intended to convey anindication of a preferred or ideal embodiment. “Such as” is not used ina restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.

Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosedmethods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein,and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions,groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specificreference of each various individual and collective combinations andpermutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each isspecifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods andsystems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, butnot limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a varietyof additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each ofthese additional steps can be performed with any specific embodiment orcombination of embodiments of the disclosed methods.

The present methods and systems may be understood more readily byreference to the following detailed description of preferred embodimentsand the Examples included therein and to the Figures and their previousand following description.

Embodiments of the methods and systems are described below withreference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods,systems, apparatuses and computer program products. It will beunderstood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchartillustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams andflowchart illustrations, respectively, can be implemented by computerprogram instructions. These computer program instructions may be loadedonto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such thatthe instructions which execute on the computer or other programmabledata processing apparatus create a means for implementing the functionsspecified in the flowchart block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable memory that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablememory produce an article of manufacture including computer-readableinstructions for implementing the function specified in the flowchartblock or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loadedonto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to causea series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or otherprogrammable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process suchthat the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in theflowchart block or blocks.

Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrationssupport combinations of means for performing the specified functions,combinations of steps for performing the specified functions and programinstruction means for performing the specified functions. It will alsobe understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchartillustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams andflowchart illustrations, can be implemented by special purposehardware-based computer systems that perform the specified functions orsteps, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computerinstructions.

The system has been described above as comprised of units. One skilledin the art will appreciate that this is a functional description andthat the respective functions can be performed by software, hardware, ora combination of software and hardware. A unit can be software,hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary operatingenvironment for performing the disclosed methods. This exemplaryoperating environment is only an example of an operating environment andis not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use orfunctionality of operating environment architecture. Neither should theoperating environment be interpreted as having any dependency orrequirement relating to any one or combination of components illustratedin the exemplary operating environment.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary “Language-Aware” Conferencing System(LACS) 8. Delegates 10 and interpreters 20 are each equipped with atelecommunications device (not shown). As an example, thetelecommunications device can be a conventional telephone, a computerwith audio input/output capability, a smart phone, or some purpose-builtdevice. As a further example, the telecommunications device can beequipped with a display. In certain aspects, at least one delegate 10and/or interpreter 20 is equipped with a telephone for audio exchange aswell as a computer with display and control capability.

The telecommunications devices of the delegates 10 and the interpreters20 is in signal communication with a conference server 40 viaconnections 35. In certain aspects, the connections 35 are definedthrough one or more networks 30. As an example, the network(s) 30 can bethe conventional public telephone network, the Internet, a mobiletelephone network, a private network, or some combination of networksnow known or later developed.

In certain aspects, the conference server 40 includes the functionalelements of conventional conferencing systems, including audio bridges42 that mix the audio for selected groups of participants, detectors 44that sense inputs (such as keypad digits), and control logic 46 thatdetermines how the audio bridges mix the various inputs and outputs. Itis understood that the conference server 40 can include any number ofcomponents and sub-components for executing the methods disclosedherein. As an example, the conference server 40 can be implemented assoftware running on a conventional hardware platform (computer server)or a purpose-built hardware.

FIG. 2 illustrates six of the delegates 10, identified individually asD1 through D6, and three of the interpreters 20, identified individuallyas SI1 through SI3, connected to conference server 40. As shown, two ofthe delegates D2, D3 speak English as a native language, two of thedelegates D5, D6 speak Mandarin, one of the delegates D1 speaks French,and one of the delegates D4 speaks Japanese. One of the interpretersspeaks French and English SI1, one of the interpreters SI2 speaksEnglish and Japanese, and one of the interpreters SI3 speaks Japaneseand Mandarin. Accordingly, the conference server 40 is configured withfour bridges 48 a, 48 b, 48 c, 48 d, one for each language. It isunderstood that the conference server 40 can be configured for ay numberof languages and bridges.

As shown in FIG. 2, the delegate D2 “has the floor” (or is acknowledgedas the speaker) and a plurality of audio paths 50 are configuredaccordingly. As shown, the arrows of the audio paths 50 indicate adirectional flow of the audio data/signal. With the exception of thedelegate D2, all of the delegates 10 are in a listen-only mode,connected to their respective bridges 48. Audio from the delegate D2 isfed to the English bridge 48 c. The interpreters SI1, SI2 are bothlistening to the English bridge 48 c, wherein the interpreter SI1 isspeaking into the French bridge 48 d, and the interpreter SI2 isspeaking into the Japanese bridge 48 b. The interpreter SI3 is listeningto the Japanese bridge 48 b and speaking into the Mandarin bridge 48 a.

FIG. 3 shows the same set of delegates 10 and interpreters 20 as FIG. 2.As shown, the delegate D4 now has the floor, and the audio paths 50through the bridges 48 have been reconfigured accordingly. The delegateD2 is shown in a listen-only mode; the delegate D4 is shown speakinginto the Japanese bridge 48 b; and the interpreter SI2 is shownlistening to the Japanese bridge 48 b and speaking into the Englishbridge 48 c. It is understood that the audio paths 50 and bridges 48 canbe configured for any number of delegates 10 and interpreters 20speaking any number of languages.

The present methods and systems can be operational with numerous othergeneral purpose or special purpose computing system environments orconfigurations. Examples of well known computing systems, environments,and/or configurations that can be suitable for use with the systems andmethods comprise, but are not limited to, personal computers, servercomputers, laptop devices, and multiprocessor systems. Additionalexamples comprise set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics,network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computingenvironments that comprise any of the above systems or devices, and thelike.

The processing of the disclosed methods and systems can be performed bysoftware components. The disclosed systems and methods can be describedin the general context of computer-executable instructions, such asprogram modules, being executed by one or more computers or otherdevices. Generally, program modules comprise computer code, routines,programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that performparticular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Thedisclosed methods can also be practiced in grid-based and distributedcomputing environments where tasks are performed by remote processingdevices that are linked through a communications network. In adistributed computing environment, program modules can be located inboth local and remote computer storage media including memory storagedevices.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary process for conducting a multi-lingualtele-conference with simultaneous interpretation. As an example, thesystem 8 of FIGS. 1-3 can be used to execute the processes describedherein. However, other systems and components can be used includinghardware and software.

In step 402, each of the delegates 10 and interpreters 20 connect to theconference server 40. In step 404, the conference server 40 assigns eachdelegate 10 to the appropriate one of the language bridges 48 based on aspecific input from the delegate 10. As an further example, one of thedelegates 10 can select a language via an interactive voice response(IVR) system when first connecting or dial a pre-defined code on thetelephone keypad (e.g. *41 for Spanish, *42 for Mandarin). As a furtherexample, the assignment of language bridges 48 can be automated based ona selection mechanism; a determination based on the country from whichthe delegate 10 is calling (e.g. based on the delegate's phonenumber/origination number or the conference bridge access numberdialed), a determination based on a stored value in a “profile” for thatparticular delegate stored in the LACS 8 and matched based on a PIN; acalling-line identifier, or other link. Other selection mechanisms arealso possible.

In step 406, the conference server 40 assigns each interpreter 20 to theappropriate language bridges 48 based on a specific parameters,characteristics, or inputs associated with the interpreter 20. As anexample, each of the interpreters 20 is identified by the conferenceserver 40 (e.g. by specific input, or another selection mechanism,analogous to that for the delegates 10) and is “tagged” in the LACS 8 asan “simultaneous interpreter” or some other tag at step 408. As afurther example, each interpreter 20 is marked as being capable in atleast two specific languages.

In step 410, upon connecting, each of the delegates 10 is muted, meaningthat the audio transmitted from each connection towards the conferenceserver 40 is not transmitted into the connected bridge 48.

Accordingly, in step 412, any of the connected delegates 10 can request“the floor”. As an example, a request can be transmitted to theconference server 40 identifying the requesting delegate and indicatinga request to speak or “have the floor”. As a further example, an inputrequest can be received by the conference server 40 from the telephonekeypad, such as *1; an input can be sent to the conference server 40from a connection to the Internet or some other network; a spokenrequest can be captured by an Automated Speech Recognition engine in apreferred language; or a simple audio input can be received that meetscertain pre-defined amplitude and duration criteria. Other methods arealso possible.

In step 414, any of the delegates 10 can be granted the floor. As anexample, the delegates 10 are automatically granted the opportunity tospeak by the conference server 40, in that requests can be queued in theorder they were received, with the conference server 40 processing therequests sequentially. As a further example, the delegates 10 aregranted the opportunity to speak by a moderator using a computer-basedcontrol panel connected to the conference server 40 over the Internet orsome other network or by a moderator using telephone keypad commands ora voice recognition system. As a further example, the floor canautomatically be granted to one of the delegates 10 designated as“Chairman” if there are no other outstanding floor requests. Othermethods are also possible.

In step 416, a selected one of the delegates 10 is granted the floor andthe audio input associated with the selected delegate 10 is activated orun-muted. As an example, the conference server 40 indicates the“opportunity to speak” to the selected delegate 10 by means of a tone orannouncement and/or visual display, for example. In certain aspects, theconference server 40 simultaneously un-mutes the audio input from theselected delegate 10 and allows the audio data to be transmitted intothe bridge 48 associated with the selected delegate 10.

In an aspect of step 416, the conference server identifies theinterpreter(s) 20 marked as capable in the specific language of theselected delegate 10 and alerts the appropriate interpreter(s) 20 viatone or announcement and/or visual display. Accordingly, the appropriateinterpreter(s) 20 can listen to the bridge 48 associated with theselected delegate 10 and can speak into the bridge 48 associated withthe other languages of the interpreter(s) 20. In an aspect, neither thedelegate 10 nor the interpreter 20 has to make any control inputs orchanges to local configuration, since the LACS 8 makes the necessaryadjustments automatically. As a further example, the conference server40 repeats the process for the other interpreters 20, allowing eachinterpreter 20 to receive audio from previously-identified interpreters20 and to speak into the corresponding bridges 48.

In step 418, the selected delegate 10 relinquishes the floor. Therelinquishment of the floor can be accomplished through any of severalmeans, including by example: the delegate 10 inputting a specificsequence from the telephone keypad; the delegate 10 making theindication via a network-connected tool; a speech recognizer identifyingsome keyword(s) from the delegate 10; silence meeting some amplitude andduration criteria established in the LACS 8; action by a moderator usinga control panel or other command input method; or the expiration of atimer maintained by the LACS 8. Other means of relinquishing the floorcan be used, as desired. As an example, the conference server 40indicates the “relinquishing of the floor” to the selected delegate 10by means of a tone or announcement and/or visual display, for example.

In step 420, upon relinquishment, the process returns to step 512 andthe next floor grant is made. As an example, the interpreters 20 whosedirection of interpretation is not changing need not be alerted inrepeat of steps. As a further example, the conference server 40 canimpose a delay between the time a previous delegate 10 is re-muted andthe repeat of step 412 to allow for each interpreter 20 to finishtranslating. It is understood that any delay can be a fixed interval ordetermined by sensing when each interpreter 20 has gone silent. It isfurther understood that any of the delegates 10 can continue to make“floor requests” or speaking requests. Accordingly, the delegates 10take the floor in turn, iterating through the steps of the process untilthe conference meeting concludes.

It is understood that numerous extensions and enhancements are possible.For example, a “control panel” (discussed hereinabove) can operate, forexample, in a web browser connected over the internet to the LACS 8. Thecontrol panel can show the identity (name, telephone number, or other)of all of the participants 10 in the meeting, and for each, can indicatebridge assignments. The control panel can also show the presence andidentity of the interpreters 20. The control panel can show whichparticipant(s) 10 have/has requested the floor and the order in whichthe requests were made (or the length of time that any given delegatehas been waiting). The control panel can show which participant 10presently has the floor. Controls can be provided (perhaps only to oneor more moderators) to allow granting and revoking the floor.Participants/delegates 10 can be highlighted as they join and exit theLACS 8.

Floor requests need not be granted in the order they were received. Amoderator might use the control panel to make such grants using personaldiscretion or some other pre-determined method. The LACS 8 can allow allor selected delegates 10 to make a “priority” request for the floor,distinguished (perhaps by keypad or spoken input) from a “normal”request; wherein such requests can be handled out of turn. Some or alldelegates 10 can be permitted to command the floor, wherein the LACS 8can grant the floor immediately to a delegate 10 making such request,revoking the floor from the current floor-holder.

The LACS 8 can support more than one interpreter 20 per language. Thiscan be important since simultaneous interpretation is a fatiguing roleand can often be sustained only for short periods of time before a restperiod is required. Thus, interpreters typically operate in teams of atleast two, and might be side-by-side at the same location. The LACS 8can support interpreters 20 for the same language in different locationsover separate connections and the “handoff” from one to another can beby any number of means (analogous to those presented above for otherfunctions). The “active” interpreter 20 for a given language is servedby the LACS 8 as indicated above, while the “standby” interpreter(s) 20for that language are in a listen-only mode.

The simplest examples assume that all of the interpreters 20 share onecommon language but this is not a requirement of the invention. EachInterpreter 20 by definition understands at least two languages and isassociated with (at least) two bridges 48. The LACS 8 can assigninterpreters 20 starting with those understanding the same language asthe delegate 10 that has the floor, and then iterate assignments so thatall delegates 10 are served. For example, a meeting might includeEnglish-French (A), French-Dutch (B), Dutch-German (C), andGerman-Spanish (D) interpreters. When someone speaking Dutch has thefloor, Interpreters B and C are assigned to listen to the Dutch bridge,since they can both speak the language of the delegate 10 that has thefloor. Interpreter A listens to the French bridge, and Interpreter Dlistens to the German bridge. Each interpreter 20 speaks into his“other” bridge 48 (that is, the bridge 48 to which he is not listening).When a German-speaking delegate 10 takes the floor, the connections areautomatically reconfigured. In this example, words of anEnglish-speaking delegate 10 conversing with a Spanish-speaking delegate10 would be translated four times before reaching the other party.

Even more complex arrangements are possible. An interpreter 20 might betri-lingual, in which case he will be assigned listening and speakingbridges 48 according to an algorithm that minimizes the number ofsequential translations required while still insuring that everydelegate 10 hears the translated audio. The interpreter 20 can hearannouncements defining the language to translate from and to. However,even with interpreters 20 capable of three or more languages, a meetingwith delegates 10 speaking N languages typically require N−1interpreters 20 if all delegates 10 are to hear (near) simultaneousinterpretations.

Some interpreters may be capable of listening in several languages, butspeaking in only some of those languages. This can be considered in thealgorithm used by the LACS to make the interpreter assignments.

The LACS 8 can be used in conjunction with a physical meeting, in any ofseveral ways. Each group of like-language speakers at the physicalmeeting can be treated as an additional delegate 10 on thetele-conference and can be connected via appropriate “patches” betweenthe in-house audio system and a telephonic or VoIP link. So, forexample, the English-speakers at the physical meeting would havemicrophone and speaker connections merged and fed to the English bridgeover one connection; likewise for the Spanish speakers, and so on.Alternatively, the delegates 10 at the physical meeting can haveindividual connections to the LACS 8, or they can share audioconnections (amongst those speaking the same language), but haveindividual buttons or other means to request and relinquish the floor.

The interpreters 20 can also be located at a physical meeting venue, and“shared” with the user of the LACS 8, by means of independent audioconnections between each interpreter 20 and the LACS 8. Other audiooptions and optimizations are also possible.

Interpreters 20 can be scheduled independent of the LACS 8, or the LACS8 can incorporate a database of interpreters 20 according to languageability and connection information, and the LACS 8 can connect themautomatically “on demand” according to the language selections made bydelegates 10.

Machine-based interpretation is improving. Instead of using humans asthe interpreters 20, the LACS 8 can connect to an automated interpreterfor this function, and can dynamically signal the languages anddirection required.

Delegates 10 can be permitted to move between bridges 48. For example, aFrench-speaking delegate D1 might prefer to listen to the meeting inEnglish to hear the intonation and emotion in the English speaker'svoice and doesn't want to be subject to “double interpretation” whensomeone is, say, speaking in Mandarin. However, this delegate D1 may bemore comfortable speaking in French. Preferences can be handledautomatically by the LACS 8. As an example, when the delegate D1 has thefloor audio is routed to the French Language bridge 48 d. The delegateD1 can also be placed in the French Language bridge 48 d when anotherFrench-speaking delegate 10 (not shown) has the floor. At all othertimes the delegate D1 can be in the English bridge 48. Such switchingcould alternatively be done manually by the delegate 10 using an inputmeans described herein.

Similarly, LACS 8 can provide a “Floor Bridge.” Listeners in this bridgecan hear the speaker that “has the floor” and would not get the benefitof interpretation. The Floor Bridge can be used in conjunction with aphysical meeting venue, and can be distributed to interpreters capableof interpreting from multiple languages.

In an aspect, delegates 10 can be allowed to “speak over each other” (orover the interpreters 20). This is likely to degrade the quality of themeeting but might be appropriate for certain situations. Delegates 10that speak into a bridge 48 that is not the bridge 48 associated withthe delegate 10 currently holding the floor would not be heard in someof the other language bridges 48.

While the LACS 8 is optimized for simultaneous interpretation, the LACS8 can also include a mode of operation for consecutive interpretation.In this mode, when only a delegate 10 is speaking (in any language), allother delegates 10 can listen to the speaking delegate 10. However, whenan interpreter 20 is speaking, the LACS 8 automatically causes delegates10 to hear the interpreter 20 associated with the bridges 48 assigned toeach of the delegates 10.

Other conferencing features can be used in conjunction with the LACS 8.For example, the LACS 8 can capture an audio recording from a selectedbridge 48 or all bridges 48. The Floor Bridge can be recorded to capturethe original audio of all delegates 10. The audio for a particularbridge 48, or all bridges 48, can be transcribed using humantranscriptions or automated speech recognition technology.

The LACS 8 can be used together with web conferencing, so that delegates10 can view, for example, a slide presentation or other graphics. Ifdesired, the presentation could be tailored for each language.

Similarly, the LACS 8 can be used with video conferencing. Delegates 10can see an image of the person speaking, but would hear the audio intheir preferred language.

While the methods and systems have been described in connection withpreferred embodiments and specific examples, it is not intended that thescope be limited to the particular embodiments set forth, as theembodiments herein are intended in all respects to be illustrativerather than restrictive.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that anymethod set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps beperformed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim doesnot actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is nototherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that thesteps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended thatan order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possiblenon-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic withrespect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaningderived from grammatical organization or punctuation; the number or typeof embodiments described in the specification.

Throughout this application, various publications are referenced. Thedisclosures of these publications in their entireties are herebyincorporated by reference into this application in order to more fullydescribe the state of the art to which the methods and systems pertain.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made without departing from thescope or spirit. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from consideration of the specification and practice disclosedherein. It is intended that the specification and examples be consideredas exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit being indicated by thefollowing claims.

1. A method for interpretation comprising: establishing a plurality of teleconference bridges, wherein each bridge of the plurality of teleconference bridges is associated with a respective language of a plurality of languages; connecting each participant communications device of a plurality of participant communications devices to a respective bridge of the plurality of teleconference bridges based upon the respective language associated with the respective bridge of the plurality of teleconference bridges, wherein each participant of a plurality of participants is associated with a respective one of the plurality of participant communications devices; connecting an interpreter communications device to a first one of the plurality of teleconference bridges and a second one of the plurality of teleconference bridges based upon language capabilities of an interpreter associated with the interpreter communications device; and conducting a conference between the participants, wherein the interpreter associated with the interpreter communications device simultaneously listens to a speaking one of the participants through the first one of the plurality of teleconference bridges and speaks an interpretation into the second one of the plurality of teleconference bridges.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising selectively designating one of the participants as a floor-holder of the conference, wherein each of the participants are blocked from transmitting audio to the plurality of teleconference bridges except for the one of the participants currently designated as the floor-holder, and wherein the connections of the interpreter communications device are automatically configured such that the floor-holder is heard by the interpreter capable of interpreting the preferred language of the floor-holder and the remaining participants hear a resulting interpretation.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein a preferred language of a participant of the plurality of participants is automatically detected and the communication device associated with the participant is automatically connected to a respective bridge of the plurality of teleconference bridges based upon the detected preferred language of the participant.
 4. A method for remote interpretation comprising: establishing a plurality of teleconference bridges, wherein each bridge of the plurality of teleconference bridges is associated with one of a plurality of languages; connecting each participant of a plurality of participants to an appropriate one of the plurality of teleconference bridges based upon a preferred language of the respective participant; connecting an interpreter to a first one of the plurality of teleconference bridges and a second one of the plurality of teleconference bridges based upon language capabilities of the interpreter; and; receiving a plurality of speaking requests from at least one of the plurality of participants; and iteratively granting a speaking request of a select participant of the plurality of participants, wherein the interpreter simultaneously listens to the select participant through the first one of the plurality of teleconference bridges and speaks an interpretation into the second one of the plurality of teleconference bridges.
 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising configuring an interconnection of each of the plurality of teleconference bridges in response to a spoken language of the select participant such that the language received through the first one of the bridges is within the language capabilities of the interpreter.
 6. The method of claim 4, further comprising selectively blocking each of the plurality of participants from transmitting audio to the bridges except for the select participant.
 7. A conferencing system supporting simultaneous interpretation in a plurality of languages, comprising: a) a plurality of first audio connections, wherein each of the plurality of first audio connections is associated with at least one participant of a plurality of participants; b) a second audio connection associated with a first interpreter; c) a plurality of teleconference bridges, wherein each of the plurality of first audio connections is associated with at least one of the plurality of teleconference bridges based upon a preferred language of a respective participant of the plurality of participants and wherein the second audio connection is associated with a first bridge and a second bridge of the plurality of teleconference bridges based upon language capabilities of the first interpreter; and d) a processor in communication with each of the plurality of teleconference bridges, the processor configured to: i) receive a plurality of requests for the floor from a plurality of requesting participants of the plurality of participants; and ii) iteratively grant the floor to a select participant of the plurality of requesting participants in response to a respective request for the floor, wherein the first interpreter simultaneously listens to a select participant currently granted the floor through the first bridge and speaks an interpretation into the second bridge.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein each of the participants not granted the floor is blocked from sending audio to an associated one of the teleconference bridges.
 9. The system of claim 7, wherein the request for the floor is received from a telephone keypad input.
 10. The system of claim 7, wherein the select participant relinquishes the floor by a telephone keypad input.
 11. The system of claim 7, wherein the select participant receives automatic notification of the grant.
 12. The system of claim 7, wherein the select participant receives automatic notification when the select participant no longer has the floor.
 13. The system of claim 7, further comprising a third audio connection associated with a second interpreter, wherein the third audio connection is associated with the first bridge and the second bridge of the plurality of bridges based upon language capabilities of the second interpreter.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the processor is configured to notify one of the first interpreter and the second interpreter whether the other is actively interpreting or is idle.
 15. The system of claim 13, wherein the processor is configured to control an interconnection of each of the bridges in response to a spoken language of the select participant such that the spoken language received through a teleconference bridge associated with one of the interpreters is within the language capabilities of the respective interpreter.
 16. The system of claim 7, wherein one of the plurality of participants is a group of individuals located in the same room.
 17. The system of claim 7, wherein the processor is configured to automatically queue and sequentially grant at least a portion of the plurality of requests for the floor.
 18. The system of claim 7, wherein at least one of the audio connections is via the conventional telephone network.
 19. The system of claim 7, wherein at least one of the audio connections is via voice-over-internet-protocol.
 20. The system of claim 7, further comprising a control panel in communication with the processor, the control panel providing a visual feedback indicating information regarding each of the plurality of participants, the first interpreter, the requests for the floor, and grants of the floor. 